Linux Operating Systems

A prominent example of free and open source software collaboration, Linux refers to the family of Unix-like computer operating systems using the Linux kernel. Linux is a leading server operating system, and can be installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from tablet computer, mobile phones, video game consoles and routers, to supercomputers and mainframes. Typically packaged in a format known as a “Linux distribution” for server and desktop use, Linux operating systems include the Linux kernel and supporting utilities and libraries to fulfill the distribution’s intended use. Prominent examples of Linux distributions and platforms include Ubuntu, Red Hat, Debian, Suse, Knoppix, the Android platform, and many consumer networking devices use embedded Linux.

History

Conceived and implemented in 1969 at AT&T’s Bell Laboratories, the Unix operating system was the product of a collaboration between Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Douglas McIlroy, and Joe Ossanna. Unix grew quickly and was widely adopted by many educational institutions and businesses.

The popularity on Unix, and it’s proprietary nature nurtured the founding of the GNU project in 1983 by Richard Stallman. The GNU project’s stated goal is the creation of a “complete Unix-compatible software system” composed entirely of free software. Free to own and free to modify.

In 1987, Andrew S. Tanenbaum released the first version of MINIX – a Mini uNIX clone of Unix. Tanenbaum is a professor of computer science at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and MINIX was designed for use in Tanenbaum’s classes as an instruction tool.

The Linux operating system was first released in 1991 as a Unixby Linus Torvalds and was heavily influenced by MINIX. Early linux kernel development was done on a MINIX host, and as a result, many MINIX features were inherited by Linux. To make a Linux kernel usable, one needs various utilities and libraries to manage and utilize a system, and the GNU project’s Unix compatible system was put into play. In conjunction with Richard Stallman’s GNU project, the GNU/Linux stack has become a world leader in operating systems with thousands of developers around the world.

Security and Antivirus Solutions

At Vault Networks, we realize keeping your mission-critical data and applications safe is a top priority. That’s why we are pleased to offer our clients Linux-based security and antivirus software for the added peace of mind you and your business need.